Sixteen towering pillars on a hill above the Tbilisi Sea tell the story of Georgia in bronze: its kings and queens, its heroes and its long Christian tradition. Nicknamed the "Georgian Stonehenge", the Chronicle of Georgia is one of Zurab Tsereteli's best-known works.
This post looks at the history and what you see on the monument. For practical details, transport and tours, see our Chronicle of Georgia visitor guide.
Plan your visit to Chronicle of Georgia
- Entry: free
- Open 24 hours (floodlit at night)
- Time needed: 30–60 minutes
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History of Chronicle of Georgia
Zurab Tsereteli, one of Georgia's most prolific monumental sculptors, started work on the Chronicle in 1985. The project was meant to celebrate Georgian history and faith on a grand scale, but construction stalled after the Soviet Union collapsed, and the monument has remained officially unfinished ever since.
Even so, the main ensemble is complete enough to visit, and it has become a favourite viewpoint for locals and visitors alike.
Attractions at Chronicle of Georgia
- The 16 pillars: each column rises roughly 30–35 m and is covered in relief work.
- Upper sections: figures from Georgian history, including rulers such as Queen Tamar and King David the Builder, along with heroes and saints.
- Lower sections: scenes from the life of Christ, such as the Last Supper and the Resurrection, reflecting the central role of Christianity in Georgian identity.
- The chapel: a small church stands behind the pillars.
Things to Do at Chronicle of Georgia
- Read the pillars: walk slowly round the ensemble and look for familiar figures; binoculars or a zoom lens help with the upper reliefs.
- Photo spots: shoot from the bottom of the stairs to capture the full row of pillars, then from the platform looking out over the Tbilisi Sea.
- Golden hour: the late-afternoon sun lights up the bronze, and the monument is floodlit after dark.
Chronicle of Georgia – Entry Eligibility and Open Timings
The monument is free and open at all hours. Full practical details are in our Chronicle of Georgia visitor guide.
Tours that include the Chronicle of Georgia
- Half-day tour: Chronicle of Georgia, Jvari Monastery and Mtskheta from Tbilisi on Klook
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How Long to Spend at Chronicle of Georgia
30 minutes to an hour is enough for most visitors; photographers may want longer around sunset.
How to Get There
The easiest way is a taxi or Bolt from central Tbilisi (roughly 20–30 minutes), or a half-day tour that also visits Jvari Monastery and Mtskheta. See the Chronicle of Georgia visitor guide for metro and bus options.
Arriving at Tbilisi Airport? Book a fixed-price airport transfer straight to your hotel.
Eateries Nearby Chronicle of Georgia
There are no restaurants at the monument. Seasonal cafes open along the Tbilisi Sea shore in summer; otherwise eat in the city centre.
Other Attractions Nearby Chronicle of Georgia
- Tbilisi Sea: the reservoir right below the hill.
- Mother of Georgia: another symbolic Tbilisi monument, on the ridge above the Old Town; read about the Mother of Georgia statue.
- Mtatsminda Park: for more city views, head up to Mtatsminda Park.
Before your trip
- Find hotels in Tbilisi: base yourself centrally and take a short taxi ride out to the monument.
- Get a Georgia eSIM on Klook before you land, for maps and Bolt.
The Chronicle of Georgia is Zurab Tsereteli's unfinished epic in bronze: 16 pillars that pair Georgia's rulers and heroes with scenes from the life of Christ, high above the Tbilisi Sea. Come in the late afternoon for the best light on the reliefs.
Planning your visit? Our Chronicle of Georgia visitor guide covers transport, timing and tours. For another symbol of the city, read about the Mother of Georgia statue.